It was brave, it was risky, it was possibly naive but Gareth Southgate’s formation switch for Germany has got England dreaming (again)

Having conceded just one goal in eight matches during 2021 with a four-man defence, eyebrows were certainly raised when Gareth Southgate opted for a 3-4-3 formation going into England’s monstrous EURO 2020 Round of 16 clash with Germany at Wembley on Tuesday.

The England manager has been subject to an array of sneers and boos from a plethora of critics, largely over the past year, but say what you want about Gareth Southgate, he got one of his biggest games in charge of the national side absolutely spot on.

Of course, had England been dumped out of the European Championships by their arch-nemesis Germany, there would be calls for the 50-year-old’s head with the surprising formation switch likely to fuel the fire; it didn’t seem necessary.

Yet, Joachim Löw’s Germany operate the same system, hence why Southgate opted to switch to the setup that the Three Lions used expertly during the 2018 World Cup.

And it certainly paid off. Two goals in the final 15 minutes from Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane rounded off a solid display at the national stadium which has certainly encouraged even the most pessimistic of England fans dream that this summer may finally see the end to a 55-year-long trophy drought.

Had Southgate not had the exact back-three from the World Cup available on Tuesday, perhaps a formation switch would’ve proved too risky. However, the task at hand was nothing new to the defensive trio of Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire and John Stones.

Left wing-back Luke Shaw was the only difference from the defence that because so infamous in Russia three years ago, with Kieran Trippier operating on the right once again for his second start of the tournament.

With Mason Mount only just returning from self-isolation, Jordan Henderson’s fitness in doubt and Jude Bellingham still absurdly young, a two-man midfield also made sense, with Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice starting to gel.

Southgate has been criticised at times for an approach that’s ‘too defensive’ when both Phillips and Rice have been included with the Englishmen known to play cautiously.

Both, however, have had freedom to roam up the pitch at times throughout the tournament, particularly the Leeds United man, who assisted Raheem Sterling’s winner in the opening 1-0 victory against Croatia whilst also picking up the man of the match accolade.

They’re solid, they’re intelligent, they’re forming a fantastic partnership and Southgate will be keen to keep it that way.

As for the front-three, fans will always debate who’s best suited to start given the mouth-watering roster of attacking options England have. Although now it seems two of the three places are set for the remainder of the tournament with Raheem Sterling England’s top scorer with three goals as well as Harry Kane being captain and the most lethal goalscorer in Southgate’s ranks.

Bukayo Saka has started the last two games on the right and has impressed, although cries for Jack Grealish to start will occur as long as England are in the tournament. The Aston Villa star has assisted twice in the last two contests, starting against Czech Republic and impressing off of the bench against Germany.

Despite calls for the 25-year-old to start, he operates best on the left, and with Sterling in such rich form, it seems the forward will have to be patient and look to impress off of the bench, if not entrusted with starting on the right.

Jadon Sancho’s lack of minutes has also been a surprise, with it now seemingly clear that the Borussia Dortmund forward low down in the pecking order.

Next for England is a trip to the Italian capital Rome as they take on Ukraine with a place in the semi-finals at stake. Playing away from Wembley may prove an inconvenience, however, the Germany triumph should inject every player and fan with optimism and belief that this England manager can take this England team all the way.

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